Barker eyes quick return

11 October 2007 07:24

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Queens Park Rangers defender Chris Barker has had a hernia problem repaired by the same surgeon who operated on England star Michael Owen.
Barker was sent to Germany for treatment from world-renowned surgeon Dr Ulrika Maschaweck earlier this week and has already gone under the knife.
And much like Owen who returned to action for Newcastle United just nine days after surgery, the R's hope to have Barker available for their next Championship game against Ipswich on Saturday week.
"The club is keen to use the best available aid, which is absolutely great from my point of view," physio Paul Hunter told the club's official website.
"Ulrika uses the very latest techniques, which means the recovery time is a lot less.
"We've made use of the international break to get this done. We're confident that Chris will be back in training next week and available for the Ipswich game."
Meanwhile, on-loan Chelsea youngster Michael Mancienne is also set to return to full training following a six-week lay-off with related hamstring and back problems.